IDAI: Godzilla El Niño Increases Risk of Heat Stroke and Diarrhoea in Children

Ikatan Dokter Anak Indonesia (IDAI) has issued an early warning about the threat posed by the ‘Godzilla El Niño’ phenomenon, which could trigger serious health problems for children during the 2026 dry season. This super-strong climate event is predicted to bring extreme drought and a sharp rise in temperatures, potentially causing dehydration, heat stroke and waterborne diseases. IDAI’s chair, Piprim Basarah Yanuarso, stressed that children are the most vulnerable to these weather extremes. ‘Godzilla El Niño could trigger extreme drought and extremely high temperatures, with serious impacts for our children,’ he said during an online webinar on Tuesday, 19 May. According to Piprim, prolonged heat not only increases the risk of heat stroke—the emergency condition when the body cannot cool down—but also triggers a shortage of clean water. A lack of clean water forces communities to use unhygienic sources, leading to waterborne diseases. Parents should watch for risks such as severe dehydration and heat stroke, diarrhoea, dysentery, typhoid, as well as acute respiratory infections (ARIs) and dengue fever. He explained that sporadic water pooling during the dry season can become breeding grounds for Aedes aegypti, maintaining dengue risk even in the dry season. Based on data from the Directorate General of Water Resources, Ministry of Public Works, the term ‘Godzilla El Niño’ refers to an El Niño of super-strong intensity. The phenomenon results from dramatic warming of sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific. Its impact on Indonesia includes a significant drop in rainfall, causing the dry season to arrive earlier, last longer, and be far drier than under typical El Niño conditions. To minimise adverse health effects on children, IDAI offers several practical recommendations for parents. Piprim also urged the government to prioritise access to clean water and national food security as strategic steps to face health impacts from this extreme climate phenomenon.